Читать книгу The Comedies of Terence - Terence - Страница 33

Re-enter Davus with the child.

Mysis. Prithee, man, what now?

Where are you carrying the child?

Davus. Oh, Mysis,

Now have I need of all your ready wit,

And all your cunning.

Mysis. What are you about?

Davus. Quick, take the boy, and lay him at our door.

Mysis. What, on the bare ground?

Davus. From the altar then

Take herbs and strew them underneath.

Mysis. And why

Can’t you do that yourself?

Davus. Because, supposing

There should be need to swear to my old master

I did not lay the bantling there myself

I may with a safe conscience.

Mysis. I conceive.

Davus. Because, that if

My master chance to put me to my oath

That ’twas not I who laid it there, I may

With a safe conscience swear. (Gives her the child.)

Mysis. I understand.

But pray how came this sudden qualm upon you?

Davus. Nay, but be quick, that you may comprehend

What I propose.— (Mysis lays the child at Simo’s door.)

Oh Jupiter! (Looking out.)

Mysis. What now?

Davus. Here comes the father of the bride!—I change

My first-intended purpose.

Mysis. What you mean

I can’t imagine.

Davus. This way from the right,

I’ll counterfeit to come:—And be’t your care

To throw in aptly now and then a word,

To help out the discourse as need requires.

Mysis. Still what you’re at, I can not comprehend.

But if I can assist, as you know best,

Not to obstruct your purposes, I’ll stay. (Davus retires.)